UPS Wormhole in Philly?

UPS never ceases to amaze me. Apparently a package I have coming from California needed to be routed through Philadelphia, PA to on it's way to me (in Pierre, SD). See below.

News and the Spread of Cobloggeration

A few news blurbs...

Outsourcing education.
As a former college tutor this amazes me. I see a business opportunity. Use American college students to tutor HS students and other college students online! It could be LEGEND-wait for it-DAIRY ;)

Console Kill The PC Game
Well, it is sure looking like it, but FPS games and real-time strategy games are still better on the PC (in my opinion).

And, wow, cobloggeration can occur in the same post as the original post! Check out Stinson vs. Stinson.

PIE!

In honor of thanksgiving yesterday, here is what I prepared: Apple Pie!

I went with my parents and my sister to my grandfather's home for Thanksgiving. Last year, while in Washington, I traveled to my Aunt's home for Thanksgiving and baked a pecan pie to take along. Well, this year I decided to prepare a dish to take along too. I chose apple pie. I purposefully used more apples than were called for, but I like a "big" pie ;) I may have used larger than normal slices, but I was very happy with the results of my pie.

The Most Dangerous Road

Americans always complain about the roads or road construction, but do they really have that bad? Apparently not.

Last week I watched a very interesting show on The History Channel entitled Death Road. The show is about a road from Bolivia's (administrative) capital, La Paz, to the remainder of the country. The death road winds it's way down through the Andes Mountains from La Paz to the remainder of the nation.

The worst stretch of the death road is less than 50 miles long and yet it is the site of 200-300 fatalities per year. I was amazed to find out that at times it had a grade of 14%!

A great article from the BBC, very similar to the History Channel presentation.

War Over

The war is over. The advertisers have won. The Chicago White Sox managed to sell their game time! Next season, all Chicago White Sox home games will start at 7:11 P.M.! 7-Eleven paid $500,000 for the White Sox to start all home games at 7:11PM for 3 years.

Read Rick Reilly's response:

Backwards?

As a friend hinted at, the republicans had this country going backwards... maybe now we can get things turned around? I certainly hope so!

Engineering To Navigate The World

A friend of mine made the Rapid City Journal today, but sadly he did not give a shout out to the blog 'verse in his interview. Any how, I won't hold that against him, so here is the interview.

Chili Cheese Fries

Lunch/Supper today is a nice, delicious pan of chili fries! And they were great!

Where's My Big Stick?

I need it to teach some political journalists about checks and balances. Apparently, someone thinks that having more than one party hold seats in congress is a bad thing because nothing gets done. He also seems to think that nothing good comes from a different party controlling congress than the presidency.

I do not agree with this at all. With one party in complete control, too much can be done. When both parties are forced to work together fewer laws get passed, but the laws are better for the nation. The democratic process is better when cooperation is maintained. Just like blogging is better when cobloggeration is maintained ;)

Damn, another political post... maybe I should take the big stick to myself too ;)

The World's REAL Shortest Political Quiz

A little political humor on post election day

How I'm Voting This Afternoon

Go ahead, ask anyone that knows me. I hate politics. There are many issues that people argue over and no one is going to change their stance, abortion being the main one. But as the contributer of the word cobloggeration, I feel I need to add my two cents on the SD election.

Constitutional Amendment C - South Dakota statutes currently limit marriage to unions between a man and a woman. However, the State Constitution does not address marriage.
Amendment C would amend the State Constitution to allow and recognize marriage only between a man and a woman. It would also prohibit the Legislature from allowing or recognizing civil unions, domestic partnerships or other quasi-marital relationships between two or more persons regardless of sex.

I do not support this amendment. Heck, I don't support the current law. I do support separation of church and state. If a church doesn't want to marry a homosexual couple that is fine with me. But why can't they get a marriage license from the county? They are living together, supporting each other, and loving each other; why can't they get the tax benefits too?

Amendment D - The State Constitution currently requires that all taxable property be valued for tax purposes at no more than its actual value, and that all property be classified and taxed uniformly. The proposed amendment to the State Constitution would base the taxable value of property upon “acquisition value” for property sold after January 1, 2007. The Legislature may authorize the assessed value of such property to be annually adjusted by up to three percent, using the 2003 assessed property valuation as the base year. The taxable value of the property may be further adjusted if the property has changed use or classification or has been subject to
addition, improvement or destruction. The limitations of this amendment will not apply to centrally assessed property or to any property sold prior to January 1, 2007.

I do not support this amendment. This amendment does not support the economy. This amendment claims to support the elderly, but doesn't. What this amendment does is base the property taxes off of the selling price rather than the assessed value. This will lessen the tax on people living in homes for long periods of time. It hurts the elderly, most older people do not stay in the same home they raised their children in. The move to a smaller home or one all on one floor. This amendment hurts new home buyers (like myself). It won't keep me from buying home sometime, but I would have to take on a larger share of the tax burden than say my parents (who have more savings and make more than I do).

Amendment E - Citizens serving on juries, school boards, city councils, county commissions, or in similar capacities, and prosecutors and judges, are all required to make judicial decisions. Their decisions may be reversed on appeal, or they may be removed from office for misconduct or by election. However, they cannot be made to pay money damages for making such decisions. This allows them to do their job without fear of threat or reprisal from either side. The proposed amendment to the State Constitution would allow thirteen special grand jurors to expose these decision makers to fines and jail, and strip them of public insurance coverage and up to one-half of their retirement benefits, for making decisions which break rules defined by the special grand jurors. Special grand jurors are drawn from those who submit their names and registered voters. The proposed amendment is retroactive. The special grand jurors may penalize any decision-maker still alive for decisions made many years ago. If approved, the proposed amendment will likely be challenged in court and may be declared to be in violation of the US
Constitution. If so, the State may be required to pay attorneys fees and costs.

The first time I heard about this amendment I supported it. But since I have learned too much about it to even consider such a thing. My democratic colleague was right in his comment. I learned from my sister, a political science major at USD, that it was started by someone who lost a case or suit (I forgot the details). I would consider supporting it in the case of judges and the attorney general's office, but I do not support it in the case of a jury. Serving on a jury is a civic duty, but you should not fear the consequences of an honest decision. And the amendment should not let this special grand jury make up it's own rules. That and the retroactive bit are just foolhardiness ;)

Amendment F - This proposed amendment to the State Constitution includes recommendations by the Constitution Revision Commission. The amendment would remove the current limitation on expense reimbursements received by legislators, and would allow legislators to receive salary, per diem, expenses and mileage reimbursement as provided by law. The amendment would remove the current specific prohibitions against enacting private or special laws. The Legislature would be restricted by a general prohibition against enacting a special law when a general or local law can be made applicable. The amendment would remove the Congressional term limit, which the federal courts have found unconstitutional. The procedure for introduction of a bill would be shortened. The amendment would require a two-thirds vote to close a legislative session to the public and prohibit any vote to be taken in a closed session. The amendment would allow the Legislature to exercise emergency powers in the event of man-made and natural disasters.

I do not support this amendment. While the beginning of it sounds good, I do not support allowing the legislature to close any meetings or sessions to the public.

Initiated Measure 2 - South Dakota currently taxes tobacco products. The proposed law would increase taxation on tobacco products sold in the state. The tax on a 20 stick cigarette package would be raised by $1.00; the tax on a 25 stick cigarette package would be raised by $1.25.
The tax on all other tobacco products such as cigars, roll-your-own, and chewing tobacco, would increase from 10 percent to 35 percent of the wholesale price. The proposed law would deposit up to $30 million of tobacco tax revenue into the state general fund. The next $5 million, if
any, will be deposited in the tobacco prevention and reduction trust fund. Tobacco tax revenue in excess of $35 million, if any, will be divided among the property tax reduction fund, the education enhancement trust fund, and the health care trust fund. The proposed law also establishes continuous appropriations out of the tobacco prevention and reduction trust fund for specified purposes.

I support this measure. It is a use tax, so you can avoid paying it by not smoking. Even better would be a law like Washington passed last year banning smoking in ALL public places including bars, etc. There is an exception for clubs like the VFW and American Legion in it.

Initiated Measure 3 - State law currently allows local school boards to establish the start of a regular school term on any date. The proposed law would prohibit local school boards from establishing the start of a regular school term prior to the last day of August.

I do not support this measure. School boards should be able to choose their own start date and end date.

Initiated Measure 4 - This initiative would allow persons, including minors with parental consent, with a debilitating medical condition, to be certified to grow (not more than six plants), possess (not more than one ounce) and use small amounts of marijuana for medical purposes.
“Debilitating medical condition” is defined to include cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, or a chronic, debilitating condition that produces cachexia, wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, including epileptic seizures, severe or persistent muscle spasms, including spasms caused by spinal injury, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease or fibromyalgia or any other
medical condition approved by the Department of Health. Certification may be accomplished by submitting medical records to the Department of Health or by submitting a doctor’s recommendation. A person may not drive while impaired by marijuana and may not smoke marijuana in any place where tobacco smoking is prohibited. Growth, possession and use of marijuana will still be illegal under federal law but certification is a defense to criminal prosecution under state law.

I do not support this measure. The law would still forbid the sell of marijuana. By allowing growth of it for medical purposes, it will make it even easier for youth to get a hold of it.

Initiated Measure 5 - State law currently allows state employees to use vehicles owned or leased by the State only for state business. There is a limited exception for state employees with a supervisor’s approval. The Governor and certain law enforcement personnel are
exempt. The proposed law requires aircraft owned or leased by the State to be used only for state business, with no exceptions. A person violating this provision would now be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

I do not support this measure. Currently, when the state plane is used for non-state business the state is reimbursed. This additional cash flow may be small compared to the budget but it is useful in maintaining the state plane.

Initiated Measure 7 - The State operates video lottery as authorized by State law. During the last year, the State received approximately one hundred twelve million dollars ($112,000,000.00) from video lottery which is 11% of the state general fund budget. The proposed law would repeal video lottery and eliminate this source of revenue.

I do not support this measure. It would be nice to be rid of a state funding source dependent on gambling, but I do not see a logical successor to the funding. Also, this is like a use tax, so no one's arm is being twisted to play the games.

Initiated Measure 8 - State laws impose a four percent tax on the gross receipts of companies providing wireless telecommunications (cell phone) services instead of a property tax. Last year the State received approximately eight and one-half million dollars ($8,500,000.00) from the cell phone tax. Forty percent (40%) of these revenues are distributed to counties based on population; the balance goes to the State. The proposed law would repeal this tax, and eliminate this source of revenue.

I do not support this measure. I own a cell phone and yet I support this tax. I am still paying less than I did in Washington and this is a use tax... so no one is forced to pay it.

Referred Law 6 - Current South Dakota law generally allows a pregnant woman to obtain an abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond 24 weeks, abortions may be performed only if necessary to preserve the life or health of the pregnant woman. House Bill 1215 would prohibit any person, at any time, from providing any medicine or other substance to a pregnant woman for the specific purpose of terminating her pregnancy. However, a person may provide a contraception substance to a woman without penalty prior to the time her pregnancy could be determined by conventional medical testing. HB 1215 would also prohibit any person, at any time, from using any instrument or procedure on a pregnant woman for the specific purpose of terminating her pregnancy, unless the person is a licensed physician performing a medical procedure to prevent the death of the pregnant woman. Any person other than the pregnant woman who violates the provisions of HB 1215 would commit a felony. If approved, HB 1215 will likely be challenged in court and may be declared to be in violation of the US Constitution. If so, the State may be required to pay attorneys fees and costs.

I do not support this law. It gives no exceptions for rape or health of the woman. It will likely be declared unconstitutional. This is an issue that I cannot stand. It is nearly impossible to change anyone's mind on it. So I will not say anymore about it.

More F.E.A.R. XP

Well, I finished Fear XP (Extraction Point) this morning. It was short, even for an expansion. Possibly not worth the price, but still very enjoyable. Unlike most games, this one doesn't have a happy ending... OK, it depends whose side you are on. In my opinion no one (except the main character) is good and even that is questionable.

I do have a few more screen shots for you though.

I hope they have insurance! And the civil in me loves that the game makers added rebar to the concrete ;)

He needs some aspirin.

That sign is meant to be ignored!

Extraction Point

Well, frequent visitors to my blog may recall that back in May and June I played the PC game FEAR. A first-person shooter (FPS) where you are a member of the "First Encounter Assault Recon, the military's top-secret task force assigned to deal with paranormal situations".

Well, now I have started playing the expansion to it: Extraction Point. After the destruction of a facility in Auburn, the chopper carrying the main character away goes down. You have to fight your way through clone soldiers and supernatural critters. Plus Alma, the scariest enemy in the game. I've seen her torch rooms/buildings and completely slaughter soldiers (without firing a shot). Thankfully, she saved my ass in one scene of extraction point... I suspect I know why but I can't reveal it to you because it would spoil the original game.

As I have been playing, I have managed to take a handful of screenshots:

My partner is taken by some ghouls... guess I have to work alone now!

A USAF plane downed in downtown Auburn.

As I climbed up this ladder, Alma popped out at the last second giving me quite a fright. I fell to the ground and she vanished (as she seems to do too often).

I don't recall what year this game is supposed to take place in but checkout the Fed. Min. Wage!

Bad Humour Island

As I have stated here before, I enjoy mountain biking on La Framboise Island. The island is a sandbar island and is home to many different animals and vegetation including: deer, beaver, and cottonwood and redwood trees.

I normally don't like to carry my camera along because I don't like to stop. I really enjoy trying to keep my speed up as I pedal along he winding trails and between the trees. But sometime in the past week I took my camera along and snapped a few pics for you, my readers.

Enjoy!

Political Platform

What is that sound? What is that feeling in the air? Could it be? Are the internet rumors true? YES! Cobloggeration has been spreading like wild fire. The culprits? These two.

Well, as my comrades have done, here is my political platform:
I am not at all surprised by the results. Overall, I am more of a centrist politically, but the current major issues in politics have me shifting towards the "left". Well, except on immigration.

I think my isolationist tendencies have surfaced in this platform. I believe we should not be in Iraq, though we will win it (at too high a cost) and I believe that illegal immigration needs to be curbed.

Well, I think that my bloggin' ways will return with the cooler temps that have hit SD. So, what should you expect to see?

• Pics from one of my rides on La Framboise Island
• Piracy invades Pierre
• New PC for a friend
• FEAR: Extraction Point
• And hopefully more...